Google is working to make Android app installs feel much quicker with its new “App Install optimization” feature.
9to5 Google found a support document for the feature, which will be used to analyze which parts of an app are used when opened for the first time. From there, Google will use that data to continue updating and improving the post-launch process.
For instance, when you first open an app, Google will work to analyze the components you actually use and which ones you let languish. That might mean focusing on your setting up a Twitter account when you download Twitter instead of immediately starting to tweet, or downloading a photo app and going straight to one feature over another. These behaviors will be weighed against the majority of users, and prioritized with the Play Store opting to download that part of the app first. The components you don’t use as much will remain uninstalled until you have a speedier connection or when you’re ready to use them.
So while this method doesn’t do anything to actually improve download install speed, it does give the illusion that things are quicker since the app is essentially being downloaded as a few piecemeal options instead. It will, however, help your phone to be a bit speedier as your phone could simply open the parts of apps you use the most, which reduces the load on your device.
Google would perform all of these tasks within the constraints of its privacy policy. The search giant would collect no information regarding any downloads or uploads in each app, especially when it comes to social media.
While the new process can’t be opted out of in its entirety, users can choose not to have information about optimization sent back to Google. Once the feature has been rolled out to all users, it can be turned off via the Play Store settings.
Google has yet to announce when this feature will become widely available for everyone. According to 9to5Google, the Play Store version 25.5.13 references the optimization feature, so it’s possible it could be set to arrive soon.
